Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister for his clarity. While I accept the role of the trustees, I am disappointed that the Minister is not taking a more hands-on approach. He was right, in that the people who depend on these pensions are concerned. The belief was that the State would be involved as long as it retained a 25% shareholding in the company and that it would be prepared to ensure the pensioners' protection. Many of those in question worked hard and were responsible for building Aer Lingus and the airport authority, which has been successful domestically as well as overseas through Aer Rianta International, ARI. People had a legitimate expectation when they retired - some of them were quite young when they took packages - that their pensions would be secure and have been deeply traumatised and concerned by this situation.

Will the Minister take the earliest possible opportunity to provide certainty and security to people who worked for the State for many years? Having provided a great public service, they are now faced with significant levels of uncertainty.

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